Magnetic characterization of microscopic particles by MO-SNOM

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Understanding magnetic domain structures is crucial for developing advanced magnetic materials.
• Existing techniques may lack the spatial resolution required for detailed analysis of nanoscale magnetic features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a magneto-optical scanning near-field optical microscope (MS-SNOM).
• To experimentally investigate the domain structure of a model magnetic particle using the developed MS-SNOM.
• To demonstrate the capability of acquiring local hysteresis loops with sub-micrometer resolution.

Main Methods:

• Development of a magneto-optical scanning near-field optical microscope.
• Fabrication of a CoFeSiB amorphous thin film magnetic particle on a silicon substrate.
• Acquisition of topographic, optical, and magneto-optical differential susceptibility (MODS) images.
• Utilizing local MODS for domain structure imaging and tip positioning for local hysteresis loop measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful development and implementation of the MS-SNOM.
• Detailed imaging of the domain structure within the model magnetic particle.
• Demonstration of sub-micrometer spatial resolution in magneto-optical imaging.
• Acquisition of local hysteresis loops, revealing magnetic properties at the nanoscale.

Conclusions:

• The developed MS-SNOM is effective for visualizing nanoscale magnetic domain structures.
• Local MODS imaging provides valuable insights into the magnetic behavior of amorphous thin films.
• The technique allows for precise characterization of magnetic particles with high spatial resolution.